3 DAY TRIP

DESCHUTES RIVER, WARM SPRINGS TO SANDY BEACH, 52 miles

The Deschutes River provides outdoor adventure with a natural paradise for splashing, sunning, fishing and just plain relaxing. With over 52 miles in front of us, we will conquer many exciting rapids and enjoy the quiet moments of calm water.

We will transport you to the boat launch at Warm Springs. After a thorough session with one of our company certified guides, your adventure is underway. The journey begins with several miles of placid water, perfect for practicing your crew’s proficiency at synchronizing paddle strokes to your guide’s maneuvering commands. A stop at Trout Creek for our lunch buffet precedes our introduction to whitewater. Within the first ten minutes of our return to the water, we hit our first major rapid, Trout Creek (Class III), which is followed by seven minor rapids. We complete our day with the famed Whitehorse Rapids (Class III), best known for its length and immediate excitement as we plunge 25 feet within the first 300 yards and drop over 75 feet of vertical through the entire 2 miles of continuous rapids.

Camp One is established just below Whitehorse Rapids, where you may catch a quick snooze (sun-style) or try your luck at the many two to four pound trout located just beyond arm’s reach. You may choose to engage in a game of horseshoes or possibly catch up on some good reading. Dinner will be a gourmet’s delight, skillfully prepared by your guide, complete with chilled wine and a luscious dessert.

Morning arrives to the tantalizing aroma of bacon, blueberry pancakes and hot coffee. We begin day two with a few "warm-up" rapids as we pass by the basalt formations of the Mutton Mountains. Also encountered this day is Buckskin Mary Rapids (Class III), known for its large standing waves and big drops. A quick swim is in order for the brave, and them Camp Two is established below near 4 Chutes Rapids. The gourmet meals go on in their fine tradition.

Day three begins with a run 4 Chutes Rapids (Class III) and continues past the famous Deschutes Club and the nearby pearlite mines. Wapinitia (Class III) and Boxcar Rapids (Class III) will round out our morning with a healthy adrenaline rush. As we come in to the town of Maupin (population 500), we will break for lunch at the Maupin City Park on the river’s bank. About a mile from out lunch stop we may make a pit-stop at Blue Hole, a BLM-maintained, wheelchair accessible fishing area. We’ll hit Oak Springs (Class III) with its numerous rock shelves and turbulent hydraulics. If you get a thrill riding the standing waves of Upper Elevator (Class III) in the boat, we’ll stop and float them again in our life jackets for an awesome ride! We continue through Lower Elevator Rapid (Class III) for a thrilling run on the big rollers, then wind our way through the turbulent water tot he Sandy Beach takeout where our vehicle and driver await our arrival.

After a quick look at the power of Sherars Falls with the possible sight of steelhead running the fish ladder, you again board the van with newfound friends to relive your adventure once more as the shuttle returns back to your cars by 4:00-4:30 PM.

This is an experience you won’t want to miss. If you have any questions, please give us a call. WE hope to see you on the river soon!